San Lorenzo Canyon, near Lemitar, New Mexico, is a stunning spot for those who crave a bit of solitude and breathtaking views. This place is all about the natural beauty, with wide-open spaces surrounded by striking rock formations that make for some fantastic photo ops.

Camping here is free, and while you won't find any fancy amenities like running water or toilets, visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. One camper noted, “I enjoy camping here very quiet and peaceful.” Just be prepared to pack in what you need and pack out your trash. The lack of facilities means it’s a true back-to-nature experience.

Getting to San Lorenzo Canyon can be a bit tricky, so don’t rely on Google Maps. A few campers have shared helpful directions to avoid getting lost. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of spots to set up your tent or park your RV, but be cautious of the sandy terrain if you're towing something heavy. As one reviewer put it, “Amazing views make it worth it.” 

For those looking to explore, the canyon offers unique geological features and a chance to see some wildlife. Just keep an eye on the weather, as flash floods can occur in narrow areas. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, San Lorenzo Canyon is a great choice for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and soak in the beauty of New Mexico's desert landscape.

This is primitive camping. 

San Lorenzo Canyon is jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management as a primitive recreation area. This scenic east-west canyon offers ample outdoor opportunities for hiking and primitive camping. Not only a destination for hikers, the Canyon offers outstanding opportunities for photographers. Millions of years of Earth’s history unfold in San Lorenzo Canyon, a picturesque area of sandstone cliffs, arches, and hoodoos. The cottonwoods indicate there may have been a reliable water source at one time in the area. The area has remnants of old ranches and homesteads; springs and tiny creeks are hidden in the canyon bottoms and washes. High clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. There are no restrooms or drinking water.

San Lorenzo Canyon

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Polvadera, NM has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Polvadera

The Best Camping Near Polvadera, New Mexico

Rather hard to find the road onto the correct road to get to the right road! Once headed to the west look for the sign taking you to the right into a dry wash. Follow the arroyo past a giant "bread loaf" that is a geological unconformity. Drive into an abrupt canyon with straight walls and side slots. Eventually you run into a rock wall that can be traversed by scrambling around it and continue 1/2 mile to a short pour-off. Camping is allowed but be aware of flash floods. It's a narrow canyon with only one way out. A parallel road just to the south of San Lorenzo Canyon is all on BLM land (dispersed camping). Pack it in, pack it out.

Hoodoos and beasties

Have you ever looked at your woman, man or non-binary lover and thought “wow, absolutely amazing”. Well that is San Lorenzo. If your in the area definitely stop in and enjoy this place. 

Really pretty 

The coordinates take you to a closed off section if you use Google maps. Follow the coordinates to the exit. Make a left off to go over pass then make a right onto the frontage road. Then it's the second right that goes under the freeway.  14.5 foot clearance but it's also fairly narrow if you have a large rig. From there it's the first right onto the dirt road follow the sign. Enjoy your camp beautiful area!

Helpful direction's

Although had a bit of trouble finding it (don’t trust google maps)
Once finally arrived it is a widely spaced canyon that has you surrounded by rocks in a desert setting. Although a bit windy on first night because all canyon (wall protected) areas were taken. Simply gorgeous area. 

Beautiful New Mexico Canyon

DONT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS! You will end up at a closed gate with instructions on where you are supposed to go, wasting 30 mins in the process.  We took a 20 ft Jayco Feather Micro travel trailer. Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer.  Otherwise, most other vehicles out tent camping didn't seem to have too many problems.  Camping pull off spots are numerous but beware the sand is even more treacherous. Try to pick a spot that won't require backing up maneuvers if you have a trailer.  There are many campers but plenty of distance between you and the next camp site. Amazing views make it worth it.  If you're trying to show off on your IG... this place is for you!

Camp in the red Rock canyon

I enjoy camping here very quiet and peaceful. No bathroom and water 

Photos of San Lorenzo Canyon

Real photos from real campers